Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg was once called the land of paradise in the early 1800's.  Later changed to White Oaks Flats. Then in 1856, White Oaks Flats was named Gatlinburg after Radford Gatlin who opened the town's second general store with a post office in it. He was a controversial figure that eventually was run out of town after folks found out he was a Democrat in a Republican area.  Gatlinburg has over 12 million visitors a year, mostly Europeans because its similarity to European mountain towns.  There is so much to do here.  You just never have enough time to see it all.  There are so many family attractions including musuems of every kind. Ripley's has a moving theater, Believe It of Not Museum, a mirror maze, and the biggest Aquarium of the Smokies. A must for all. There is also a Sky Tower, a Ski Lift and Aerial Tramway that takes you to Oder Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park. Gatlinburg also leads the way to the entrance of the Smoky Mountains.  Gatlinburg sidewalks are very crowded with tourists.  If you're staying in Pigeon Forge, take a taxi into Gatlinburg.  Parking spaces are hard to find. And you'll enjoy the ride through the Smoky Mountains looking around for wildlife near the Little Pigeon River.